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Apra Michigan Spring Event - In Person !!!
Modernizing Prospect Development: Evolving Your Program to Meet the Current Moment and Prepare for the Future
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 11-2PM EDT
Check-in begins at 10:30
Michigan League, Hussey Room – 911 N University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
The world of philanthropy is changing quickly, and prospect development is evolving right alongside it. Fluctuating economic conditions, shifting donor behaviors, emerging technologies, and changing workplace dynamics are all affecting our industry. Preparing for the future requires more than just new tools; it requires new ways of thinking about our work and how it gets done.
The session will combine presentation, facilitated discussion, and peer exchange. Participants will leave with practical ideas for adapting their prospect development work for the modern environment, from leveraging new techniques and technologies to sustaining change over the long term.
Catherine Flaatten, MPH, CFRE, is the associate vice president of prospect development at BWF, where she advises nonprofit clients on building and strengthening programs in prospect research, management, and analytics. Her consulting is grounded in past practitioner experience at The George Washington University, Share Our Strength/No Kid Hungry, the National Psoriasis Foundation, and the BrightFocus Foundation.
Catherine serves on Apra International’s Board of Directors, Education and Professional Development Committee, and Fundamentals Committee and has held numerous volunteer leadership roles with Apra International, Apra Metro DC, and aasp. She is a frequent presenter and author in the field, and her expertise has been featured in the Chronicle of Philanthropy. Her contributions aim to position prospect development as a strategic driver of fundraising success and strengthen the profession through knowledge-sharing and leadership.
She earned both her BA in International Affairs and her MPH in Maternal and Child Health from The George Washington University.
Lunch is included, so come ready to network!
Here & There: Apra Networking around the Great Lakes
Apra-MN - Lunch and Learn
Apra-MN - Lunch and Learn
Blending the Art and Science of Fundraising
Blending the Art and Science of Fundraising
Wednesday May 6, 2026, 12:00-1:00PM CDT
Join author Stephanie Willis as she shares insights from her new book "The Art and Science Approach to Fundraising Data and Research." This session demonstrates how research, analytics, and data integrity strengthen donor engagement. Participants will learn the important concepts of blending an art and science approach in everyday work, including prioritizing building relationships and a donor-centric approach.
Willis is a seasoned philanthropy strategist and data-driven fundraising leader with over 15 years of experience guiding nonprofit organizations toward greater impact. Known for her ability to translate complex data into actionable strategies, she is passionate about empowering organizations to work smarter, connect authentically with donors, and create lasting change. Throughout her career, Stephanie has worked for, and collaborated with, organizations of all sizes across multiple sectors to help build infrastructures that strengthen donor engagement and improve organizational performance. She is particularly passionate about bridging the gap between fundraising data and research and helping ensure other professionals have the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving philanthropic landscape. A Gallup-Certified Strengths Educator since 2010, Stephanie uses her expertise to facilitate workshops and individual coaching sessions that empower teams and individuals to harness their unique talents. Stephanie’s thought leadership extends to speaking engagements, published articles, and mentorship programs. She has been a longtime volunteer to several organizations and prioritizes philanthropy in her own life. Known for her collaborative spirit and philanthropic passion, Stephanie is committed to helping nonprofits thrive, ultimately enabling them to amplify their missions and make lasting change in their communities. Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Stephanie is a proud Michigander.
Apra-IL Webinar
Apra-IL Webinar
Prospecting Outside Major Metropolitan Areas
Prospecting Outside Major Metropolitan Areas
Thursday May 7, 2026, 12:00-1:00PM CDT
Even though most states' dominant cities might get most attention, how does prospecting differ once you exit the major the metros? The Apra-IL Board is pleased to present this virtual panel discussion on "downstate" prospecting. Comprising the panel will be three Illinois-based prospect research professionals who reside and support institutions located outside the Chicago area. Discussion topics will include:
Determining what constitutes a major gift in smaller markets and metro areas...
Specific strategies for identifying and cultivating prospects in smaller markets, and how those strategies differ from major metros...
Working with and evaluating non-traditional wealth assets such as farm ownership when determining capacity...
Apra Indiana - 2026 Annual Conference
Shift Happens: Leveraging Your Unique Strengths to Make Organizational and Industry Shifts Work to Your Advantage
Thursday May 7, 2026, 9:00-3:30PM EDT
Indiana Historical Society
450 W Ohio St
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Change is constant. But the teams who succeed know how to make it work for them. Join us for a day of learning about strategic visibility and turning organizational and industry shifts into opportunities to elevate the work only your team can do.
Apra-NY
Apra-NY
Corporations and Foundations in Today’s Prospect Research Ecosystem
Corporations and Foundations in Today’s Prospect Research Ecosystem
Wednesday May 13, 2026, 12:00-1:00PM EDT
This session explores the role of corporations and foundations within today’s prospect research ecosystem, highlighting how institutional fundraising differs from traditional individual giving. Participants will gain practical insight into identifying and qualifying corporate and foundation prospects, as well as understanding how due diligence informs strategy and risk assessment. The session also examines how prospect researchers can collaborate more effectively with Corporate and Foundation Relations colleagues to support integrated, institution-wide fundraising efforts.
OPRN
Spring Member Chat
Thursday May 21, 2026, 2:00-3:00PM EDT
Whether you’re new to OPRN or a long-time member, we invite you to join us for a lively, welcoming conversation and the chance to connect with fellow prospect development professionals. We'll go over upcoming events, member benefits, and ways to get more involved with OPRN. Have a challenge you’d like feedback on or a policy question you’ve been wrestling with? Bring it to the group! This will be a supportive space to share ideas, ask questions, and learn from one another. We look forward to seeing you!
Around the Nation
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Want to get involved?
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